This course offers you an opportunity to develop knowledge and techniques for managing solid waste. This includes the characterization of municipal solid waste, collection, transfer stations, waste minimization and recycling. Waste treatment techniques will be presented, including composting, incineration, pyrolysis and landfill disposal.

This course will also provide you with knowledge and skills to undertake a life cycle assessment (LCA) in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Life cycle assessment is a key methodology used to quantify the environmental impacts of a product or service over its full life cycle, including resource consumption and waste generated.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for BH080 Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours):

1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.

1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.

3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

3.4. Professional use and management of information

On completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Understand the implications of the production, resource management, and environmental impact of solid waste management

2. Be aware of the significance of recycling, reuse, and reclamation of solid wastes

3. Be familiar with relationships between inappropriate waste management practices and impacts on water, soil, and air quality

4. Be able to integrate technical solid waste management options and imposed environmental legislation and guidance to develop legal and safe solutions

5. Be capable of carrying out a moderately complex LCA

Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities in this course may include lectures, tutorials, independent reading and study, class discussions and workshops, presentations, projects and/or other activities.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will be provided with lists of relevant reading material including RMIT library resources and professional internet sites. You will be able to access course information and online learning materials (such as lecture information) through MyRMIT. You will be expected to source other reading and learning material for course projects through the RMIT library.

☐ All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Leaning & Teaching).